Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to address 2 questions for women with breast cancer related lymphedema: do compression pumps decrease lymphedema when compared with other treatments? What are the recommended treatment parameters for use of compression pumps? Methods: Five databases were searched and 3 tables were developed to organize key variables. The tables were used by 3 researchers to critically appraise each article. Results: Twenty-six abstracts addressed the use of compression pumps for treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer. Only 8 studies met our criteria. Of the 3 randomized controlled trials, only one did not have major methodological flaws. The study did not support the use of an intermittent compression pump for treatment of lymphedema. Discussion and Conclusion: At this time there is no evidence to suggest that the use of an intermittent compression pump in the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema is better than education about arm care and hygiene, nor is there evidence to support the use of one type of pump or treatment regimen over the other. Additional well-designed studies are needed to determine the efficacy of compression pumps, both intermittent and sequential, in the treatment of lymphedema after surgery and/or radiation therapy for breast cancer.
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